Report of the MCAA South of 40 Committee

Words: David Hill

Mission Statement

The mission of the South of 40 is to provide members the opportunity to learn, to become more involved, and introduce a youthful voice into the masonry industry. We will accomplish this by fostering lasting relationships, encouraging new ideas, and educating the leaders of tomorrow with the objective of increasing the masonry market share and ensuring our industry is as solid as the products we promote.

Committee

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), has experienced exciting transformation over the past two years, as with the South of 40, we have welcomed 15 new members. Excited with the growth of the committee, Chairmen Brandon Hartsell and Mason Hill are working hard to expand the reach of the group. Our committee members are connecting on local, national and international levels with social media posts, events and magazine articles. Our members are here to spread the word that masonry isn’t just a trade. The masonry industry is changing. To truly build the masonry industry and take it to the next level, “we” must embrace our younger generation and provide the needs required as the market dictates. This committee will be the building block for the MCAA. We are the recruiting backbone and we truly can help shape the MCAA in the coming years. New life in a committee will bring new excitement and strength. All MCAA members are encouraged to involve their younger, upcoming leadership in our organization. If you haven’t noticed, there is a freshness in the air. The MCAA, South of 40 Committee, Brandon Hartsell, and Mason Hill, are committed to promoting the masonry industry to the next level. ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US? We will re-engage South of 40 members. We have welcomed many new members to our committee in 2018. Please reach out to Mason or Brandon to learn more about getting involved.

The 2019 South of 40 Event Drai’s in Las Vegas!

The MCAA’s South of 40 annual fundraising event will be held Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Drai’s After Hours Vegas! Drai’s After Hours plays host to MCAA’s South of 40 Party. The home of live nightlife entertainment on The Strip, Drai’s is a dazzling, multi-level rooftop hotspot boasting more than 25,000 sq. feet of plush offerings, including two full-service bars, more than 75 luxurious bottle service tables, and fingertip access to the world’s most celebrated DJs and chart-topping resident performers through the Drai’s LIVE concert series. Experience an adventurous party atmosphere featuring a live DJ, delicious appetizers, and drinks that will be served throughout the evening. Our sponsors make this event happen! Thank you to each of the sponsors for supporting the South of 40!

Sponsors to date are shown below:

Amerimix - Jersey Sponsor
SPEC MIX LLC - Hat Sponsor
ProBlock - Sleeve Sponsor
EZG Manufacturing - Bar Sponsor
CrewTracks - Sleeve Sponsor
Federated Insurance - Buffet Sponsor
IMS Masonry - Cotton Candy Sponsor
Pettibone - DJ Sponsor
Brazos Masonry, Inc. - Bag Sponsor
Tampa Bay Tools - Bag Sponsor
Xtreme Manufacturing - Bag Sponsor
Brazos Masonry, Inc. - Table Sponsor
J. Construction Company - Table Sponsor
Cantarella and Son, Inc. - Table Sponsor
Elite Distribution - Table Sponsor
Ollier Masonry, Inc. - Table Sponsor
Sutter Masonry, Inc. - Table Sponsor
Hill Masonry, Inc. - Table Sponsor
B&D Associates, Inc. - Table Sponsor
G&G Enterprises - Table Sponsor
WASCO, Inc. - Table Sponsor
CAD BLOX, LLC - Entertainment Sponsor

SOUTH OF 40 COMMITTEE GOALS

Develop Needs of South 40 Group

The South of 40 Committee has been tasked with developing the needs of the South of 40 group. A few ideas we have discussed are below:

Are You Connected?
We must continue promoting on social media through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This is the easiest “FREE” way to connect with everyone. If you have questions on which avenues to connect with, please get in touch with us and I’ll make sure you are taken care of.
The MCAA will incorporate hashtags into more of its Convention materials. Examples: #WOC2019, #masonry, #MCAAperks, #mcaasafetyadvantage, #SMBL500, #MCAA

We must connect with our audience on all levels.

Social Media Awards!
The South of 40 Committee would like to present two Social Media awards for best promotion of Masonry using Social Media. Two awards would be presented with one for over 50 and one for under 50 years of age:
  • Winners would be selected by Brandon and Mason
  • Awards would be presented at the MCAA Convention and supplied by Mason Hill (Golden Brick Award)
  • You’d better get posting!!!
South of 40 Social Media Page
The South of 40 Committee would like to start a social media page specifically targeted at the younger generation. The goal would be to have weekly trivia questions based on current and past masonry topics.

We could potentially provide prizes to the winners or other accolades since it would be on a digital platform.

Build Quality Membership
We welcome new committee members and encourage all those involved in South of 40 to invite a new member to join us!

We have welcomed numerous folks to the group this year and are approaching 50 members!

What are more needs of the South of 40 group?
The Committee has talked about some sort of class or networking meeting focusing on the younger generation while in Vegas. Of course, the event would be open to all, but it would focus on exactly what we need from the next generation. It would give us an opportunity to connect and work with those who will be the up and coming leaders of the MCAA.

We encourage all Contractor and Supplier Members, regardless of age, to come and join us. We need you to encourage the younger generation within your company to come out and join us!!

Develop a New Program for “Developing Future Leaders”

The MCAA South of 40 Committee is in the early stages of creating a program that would develop future leaders. The program would be focused on helping younger employees become leaders within their companies, and also within the association.

More information on this program will be shared in the future as it develops further.

MCAA/NCMA South of 40 Happy Hour

The MCAA's South of 40 Committee and NCMA's Young Professionals Group will host a happy hour event on Wednesday, January 23 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at Señor Frogs at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, during the World of Concrete. Come join and meet fellow young professionals of the MCAA and NCMA, play some bar games, network and watch sports. This event is for South of 40 members only.

Looking Ahead

We all need to remember; the future of our Industry lies within the minds and hands of the Next Generation. It is “Our” responsibility to make sure we develop and promote to the Next Generation. We must take the time to visit schools, attend trade events, and make ourselves available for the Next Generation. I believe we need to develop lasting relationships with younger people, encourage their new ideas, and educate the leaders of tomorrow. In this way, the masonry industry will be as solid as the products we promote. I hope you will join us!
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